Ten Facts about Washington's Presidency
Learn more about the many precedents and challenges confronting Washington as our first president.
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In 1789, George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States. During his two terms in office, Washington influenced the path for the presidency moving forward, creating standards in all political, military, and economic areas. He helped shape the office's future role and powers, as well as set both formal and informal models for future presidents to follow.
Explore the timeline to learn about Washington's first day as president
George Washington’s cabinet included four original members: Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph.
After the American victory in the Revolution, George Washington repeatedly voiced opposition to slavery in personal correspondence, but as a public figure and president, he did not make abolition a cause.
In January 1791, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton proposed a seemingly safe tax. What Congress failed to predict was the rejection of this tax by American citizens.
In February 1793, France went to war with Great Britain and its allies. Washington had a big decision to make: support France, Britain, or remain neutral.
Did George Washington go from ardent supporter of King George III, to rebel of the crown? Or did he always have negative feelings towards the royals?
After being elected the first president of the United States, why didn't George Washington abolish slavery?